Promoting positive motherhood among nulliparous pregnant women with an intense fear of childbirth: RCT intervention

J Health Psychol. 2012 May;17(4):520-34. doi: 10.1177/1359105311421050. Epub 2011 Sep 29.

Abstract

This RCT intervention among nulliparous pregnant women with an intense fear of childbirth sought to promote preparedness for childbirth and to enhance positive parenting. Pregnant women (n = 8,611) filled in a 'fear of childbirth' questionnaire. Nulliparous women with severe fear of childbirth (n = 355) were randomized into intervention (n = 131; 41 refused) and control (n = 224) groups. They rated themselves on a preparedness scale in middle and late pregnancy, and on a motherhood scale three months after childbirth. The intervention included six psycho-education group sessions during pregnancy and one after childbirth. This intervention increased the mothers' preparedness for childbirth, which predicted an increase in positive motherhood.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Education* / methods
  • Fear / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Parity
  • Parturition / psychology*
  • Phobic Disorders / psychology
  • Phobic Disorders / therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnant Women / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires